Description
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender ground beef cooked with Italian herbs and a rich tomato sauce. Short pasta is simmered directly in the flavorful sauce, then finished with cream for a luscious texture. This easy, all-in-one meal is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 500g (1 lb) beef mince / ground beef
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Liquids and Sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock / broth, low sodium
- 3/4 cups thickened / heavy cream
Pasta
- 350g (12 oz) fusilli, penne, elbow macaroni, or other short pasta
To Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Cook Beef and Seasonings: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook it until no pink remains. Stir in the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds, then mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to eliminate any raw taste.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients and Pasta: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine, then add the pasta directly into the pot.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes and more frequently near the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is nearly tender but still has a slight bite.
- Add Cream and Finish Cooking: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will be creamy and somewhat loose, which is desirable as the pasta will continue absorbing the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Give the pasta a good stir to blend everything evenly. Serve in bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- This recipe video demonstrates the step-by-step process for perfect one-pot creamy tomato beef pasta.
- Using Italian herbs adds authentic flavor while the red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, which you can omit for milder taste.
- Choose any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni – these shapes hold the sauce well.
- The sauce remains saucy and creamy to ensure the pasta stays beautifully coated and flavorful.
- This is an easy, comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup thanks to one-pot cooking.
- For variations, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
- For lower sodium, use low-sodium chicken stock and adjust salt to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 988 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
